Take Your Mind Off of Cancer

Posted by Teresa, Volunteer Mentor @hopeful33250, Jan 20, 2017

Hi all: @amyh2439 @tresjur @joannem @gaylejean @lucci50 @derekd @gulzar @joanney @jenchaney727@dzerfas @lorettanebraska @wordnoid @trouble and @upblueeyes. I just read this post from a Mayo email that I subscribe to it is about giving ourselves a break from thinking about cancer. The thought occurred to me that we are all very proactive in our thinking about our health. We do research, we seek support, but sometimes it is good to take a break and spend some time with folks and just visit or enjoy music or a walk without cancer as the topic of conversation. This past week, I had lunch with a friend and have plans to go to the movies next week with some friends from church. Share with us what you do to give yourself a break from cancer. Please read the article and let's talk: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cancer/expert-blog/take-mind-off-cancer/bgp-20177606/

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs) Support Group.

When I was really sick, friends came to my house. I explain to them about the diarrhea problems and if I disappear for awhile, don't worry, I will be back as soon as I can. I wore adult diapers and other barriers just in case I am much better, but even now, I take precautions when I leave the house. Since I have the privilege of feeling good at this point in my life, I stay very busy. I have my son and his family first to do things with. After that, the Las Vegas Bead Society is my outlet. I started a meetup group to recruit member for the LVBS and i am in charge of teaching the beginning beaders. One of the other member jumps in and helps me if I need it. I also belong to other meetup groups and enjoy lunch and other activities with them. I live in a senior community that also has activities and I belong to those groups also. After that. there are activities at the senior center. I know as time passes, my health will decline or I will have a set back. So get out and do stuff if you have good days.

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@joannem What a great attitude. You've learned how to take care of yourself! Teresa

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@hopeful33250 Teresa, I SO agree with you! I am SO clear that my disease is just a "piece" of who I am .. it is NOT "WHO" I am!

I may cough almost constantly .. I may deal with kind strangers constantly offering me lozenges .. I may constantly need to reassure surrounding strangers that I have "lung issues" but am NOT contagious .. do NOT have a virus or cold.

My husband who has CLL cancer and has been on Imbruvica chemo for over 2 years is NOT "cancer" .. nor "diabetes" .. nor a couple of other issues he has!

WE are blessed to still be able to be people who travel all over the world .. just got back from Egypt .. planning yet two more trips .. HOW? DENIAL!! Until/unless one of these nasty diseases is staring us in the face in the past many years .. we IGNORE it .. it does NOT exist! When it pops up .. we deal with it .. then get on with our fun life .. LIVING it to the fullest we are capable of! We take whatever precautions necessary .. then DROP IT! Get on with life! (I'll share with you a funny line we say .. We educated all five children .. now if there is a dime left it is because we miscalculated! We are going to have fun!)

So Teresa, I applaud you! You go girl! Hugs to you! Katherine

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@katemn Hi Katherine: I love the way you use 'DENIAL' At times we all have to think that way! Your posts have always inspired me, thanks for doing it again. Hugs, Teresa

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